Friday we left for Chincha, a three hour bus ride south of Lima, to where 2007's earthquake hit the hardest.

By time we arrived it was lunchtime and we went to Mamaine's for some traditional food from the region.

By that time it had warmed up considerably, approaching 90 degrees we looked for some escape in an artisan market of straw crafts and fruits for sale. We enjoyed chocotejas de pecanas, a chocolate covered carmel and pecan sweet, as well as the smell of fresh grapes; the region's reputation is largely built on its production of fruits and incredibly soft Pima cotton.

From there we visited El Carmen, still littered with USAID tents, the main cathedral is still under repair. Rubble is still seen in the streets a year and a half later. Just around the corner from the main square, we arrived to the Balumbrosio's home. This family is renown in Chincha as well as Peru, and even internationally for its Afro-peruvian rhythms. We watched drumming on a cajon, a box drum, and tap dancing as well as other regional dances. At the end we tried our hand at the Alcatraz, where a handkerchief is tied behind you at your waist and your partner tries to light it with a candle. You do your best to put out the flame or keep from getting your handkerchief lit on fire. The students wiggled enough, managing to not get their handkerchief to smolder.